Russell Slade defends sale of Mats Daehli

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade has claimed that he allowed Mats Daehli to leave as he wasn't fully committed to the club.

It was confirmed earlier this week that the Norwegian would make the switch to Freiburg when the transfer window opens in January, and Slade has moved quickly to defend his decision following criticism from some supporters.

"Mats was looking to go," the Cardiff boss told reporters. "We had Mats's representative over here and I spoke to him. His heart probably wasn't in the club and that is a factor which is very important to me.

"He wanted to move and we found an opportunity for him. Mats wasn't playing enough minutes for us anyway and it was great chance for him to move on as well."

Cardiff are back in action against Charlton Athletic on Boxing Day.